Chapter 06- LATIMER AND HIS PLOYS
NOTES: Kindly note that a particular scene in this chapter is similar to the one in Pride and Prejudice, a conversation similar to the one Lady Catherine and Elizabeth Bennet have towards the end.
Mrs. Thornton woke up at her usual hour and set out about her daily chores. Yesterday was quite eventful, with her becoming aware of the Hales' family secret. She felt somehow relieved though she didn't know why. But a deeper understanding led her to realize that as much as she despised Miss Hale for her stubborn ways, she did find her similar to her own self, in more than one way.
What would have happened had she not come across the parchment? Maybe, this secret would have not come out at all. John had always told her that the Hales, especially Mr. Hale, was quite fond of him and saw him as his own son. She thought about why the man hadn't sought John with his secret, but then agreed that since her son was a magistrate, they were quite right to think better not to disclose, even if John was trustworthy. More so, she appreciated Miss Hale inwardly for staying strong despite the insinuating accusations.
It was time to send the invite once and for all. She wanted to put an end to this as soon as possible. She wasn't able to see her son becoming dreadful day by day because of Miss Hale. Either she should find a hint in the woman reciprocating her son's love or she will get ahead with the truth to John and relieve him of his misery, although his heart would still be broken.
She sought Jane, the maid, who was quite without a trace of emotion concerning her actions of yesterday. She gave her the letter and asked to have it delivered. But Jane, who was quite similar to Fanny in every way, found out for whom the letter was- Miss Hale. She was aware that half of the town knew of her ridiculous scandal, although the gossip started to fade with newer tittle-tattle brewing up. And what's more, Mrs. Thornton was quite annoyed to know that the woman had her arms around the master's neck during the riot. It was Jane who blew up the issue during the strike. She had clearly heard what Miss Hale spoke to the rioters and knew very well that she had acted in such a manner to save the master. Yet with her twisting words, she assured Fanny as well as Mrs. Thornton to divert their annoyance towards Miss Hale.
She had nothing against Miss Hale, but a little gossip never hurt anybody, she surmised. She knew that the news should reach Miss Fanny, the now Mrs. Watson, if a little enjoyment is to be witnessed!
Mr. Thornton turned his entire mill office upside down but to no avail. His gloves were missing, and it was one of the few possessions he saved of his late father. As much as he had decided to never act like his father, he couldn't hide his dismay to know that it had gone missing. His hands felt empty and yearned for it. He had asked the servants to search in the mill house, but even they couldn't find it. He didn't know where he had misplaced it.
Giving up, he sat down and read the letter he just received from Mr. Latimer. The letter was quick and brief, asking Mr. Thornton to meet him by eleven o'clock at his home.
Mr. Thornton, at first, didn't realize anything sinister or different with the note. He had visited the banker several times at his home as well, though he preferred to discuss business at his office or the master's club. But when did Mr. Latimer discuss business without poking his personal affairs in between? He was sly to include premeditated praises of his daughter Miss Latimer, whenever he called him to meet for business.
But the work was to be done. If not Mr. Latimer, he would have himself arranged a meeting although not at home, but at the club. He had to discuss his loans, repayments, dues, and formulate a finance plan for the coming months. It had to be done on time even if the mill was currently staying afloat. But the shrewd master in him screamed that his mill was not supposed to merely stay afloat but be fixed as stone on the ground, withstanding any pressure no matter what.
By eleven o'clock, Mr. Thornton reached the banker's home. He wished to be quickly done with the meeting and secretly hoped to not be interfered by anyone, especially Miss Latimer. A tinge of fear prevailed within him when he thought about the conversation he had with his mother that day, when she had suggested her approval of the Latimers and pointed out how he was warming up with the banker's daughter. Thankfully, now his mother discarded such notions. He fervently believed that the father was not harboring such an assumption now. He had never felt for the girl, not before meeting Marg– Miss Hale, not even after Miss Hale rejected his love.
He was not the one to disparage women no matter how they were. But that never stopped him from trying to understand a person's character by their behavior. Truth be told, Miss Latimer was the exact version of his sister Fanny. The only difference is that she is less animated, less excited, a bit more careful in showing society that she's naive and compliant. But it didn't escape his notice how she treated women who were equal to hers, as well as how she treated people who were beneath her in position. Spoilt and vain, Miss Latimer was all beauty and grace that successfully hid a devious nature within.
The butler led him to Mr. Latimer's study. By what he observed, it was clear that the womenfolk were absent, oh well, it was market day, and as far as his guess was correct, his sister would be touring the shops too, with her friend's arm dangling in hers. "Very well, exactly what I expected. I will speak business and set off to the mill before they reach home. Not that they would come home anytime before the next two hours at least", Mr. Thornton thought sarcastically to himself.
Mr. Latimer's rude habits included making people wait before bestowing his banking sense to them. Today was no different. He came as patiently as he could, as if he hardly understood why the master was present.
"Ah, Thornton, there you are. I hope I didn't make you wait for long, eh?"
"No, Mr. Latimer. I hope not."
"Sit man. Now you might be aware of my reason to invite you."
"Why sir, business of course. This meeting should have happened last week, but with the pending orders in the mill, I wasn't able to schedule one. I apologize."
"Don't worry, Thornton. Is business precarious? The other masters are rounding up my feet asking for extensions and delays to make payments. But I didn't pay heed as I was keen to offer you the extension indeed."
"Thank you sir. I would gladly appreciate it. Though I hope you could show the same generosity towards the other masters too. The strike did disturb the cotton world."
"Ha, Thornton! I cannot do the same for them, why should I? And it's not generosity, man. It's more like what I would do to my own family, wouldn't I? Let the other masters hoard up every penny and repay. That would in fact help you to get ahead in business as well against your struggling competitors."
Mr. Thornton grinned uncomfortably. What was with this man coming up with family and such words? And yes, business was not without competition, but he wasn't ignorant of the other masters' troubles at the moment. He didn't let him bother much and got on with the next thing in conversation.
"Sir, I have also come to discuss the finance plan for the next term, if you so may help me…"
Before Thornton could even finish his words, Latimer spoke-
"Now Thornton, there's something serious I would like to suggest. Which would solve all issues of yours."
"I am all ears."
"Why, your brother-in-law should have told you already, or your sister, at least. No?"
"No sir. I am afraid I am unaware of something important, I suppose?"
"Let me enlighten you. It's a brilliant scheme Watson got hold of! A speculation scheme that is 100% set to bring up immense investments to keep our cash reserves from overflowing for the next five years at least!"
Mr. Thornton's face changed to his customary scowl at the mention of that word. Speculation. It suddenly pushed in the unhappiest of memories he had tried hard to forget. It brought back those miserable times in his life when he had to accept his father was gone, leaving everything to him.
"Mr. Latimer, I have absolutely zero interest in it. I have and will never consider scheming an option. Not when my as well as my workers' livelihoods are at stake. If the scheme fails, I might be still able to rise from scratch, though not like before. But my workers will face the worst, not that they are already living worthy lives. So no, thank you."
Mr. Latimer was irked but he knew this was to come. He was dealing with Thornton not with any other loose-principled easygoing master as Slickson or Hamper. But he decided to not let go of the conversation.
"You call the lot as workers now, Thornton? And worthy lives, huh? They who were born so low to help you masters to rise? The ones you used to call hands? I know what, or shall I be bold to say who instills such philosophical notions in you man. But leave it. I shall give you the speculation agreement, at least go through it and then decide…"
"Mr. Latimer, I thank you for your concern. But no, I would not participate in the scheme. That's my final decision, even if the scheme ends up becoming highly successful to you all."
The banker flinched inwardly. He knew it wasn't going to be easy, but still today Thornton was tougher than ever. Carefully, he drew his last card- his daughter.
"Well then, I can only commend your rigid sense of morals then. You have always been the good man amongst us eh? Fine then, but I have another significant proposal. One that would support your business as well as help you finally settle in life…"
Mr. Thornton stared in confusion for a minute or so. This man was wasting his time in vain. But he was desperate enough to hear his idea, hoping fervently if his proposition might help the mill in any way. He looked like an eager child looking at his father who had just come home with a new toy.
"Thornton, you look as if you cannot guess what I come to say. It wasn't any secret, more so, should have happened quite before, I suppose. But anyway, the sooner the better. What I wish to tell you is that my dear Ann cares for you. You must be already aware! For you both were the talk of the town for weeks during your sister's wedding. Many hinted at your sister's wedding giving way into another one, why yours and Ann's of course!"
Thornton's scowl only deepened. His inner mind knew this would come someday or the other. While his mind was forming a disgust and anger at his suggestion, Mr. Latimer continued proudly.
"Ann is favoured and taken an interest by every man, not just in Milton but also from her relations in distinct parts of London. But ever since she returned to Milton after finishing her studies from one of the excellent schools of Swiss, she has taken an interest in you man. She is keen to become your wife, mind you, she is already a good friend of your dear sister and your mother as well. What's more, the match will bring you a great amount of dowry and position, enough to secure Marlborough Mills for years to come. And needless to say, you have always had my support and now that you become my daughter's husband, you will always have my favour more so than ever."
"Are you done speaking, sir?"
Now it was Mr. Latimer's turn to scowl. But he didn't wish to let his annoyance take hold only to regret later.
"Thornton, do you suggest that you never cared for Ann? Of course you would, for such a refined woman that she is, unlike a few who gallivant like orphans and let their foolish stubbornness spoil their reputation! Ann will be a compliant wife, not one who would speak against a word that you utter!"
Mr. Thornton was boiling with rage when he realized who Mr. Latimer was referring to. Comparing Ann Latimer with Margaret Hale was quite meaningless; as comparing earth with the Venus. Yes, she cares for someone else now and has gone to a witless extent to guard him from harm, not to forget her lies with regards to Leonards' case. But yet, it enraged him for the audacity of the man to disrespect one woman in order to praise his daughter in front of him. Did the man understand that he was actually trading his own daughter like an object?
"Sir, I very well understand who it is you refer to, but let me assure you not to fall for ignorant and misinformed gossips. What's more, I respect Miss Latimer as much as the women in my life, but don't see her beyond my acquaintance's daughter".
"Well, don't see it that way, then. I know you aren't a man who gives in to life's pleasures, no you always held business first in your mind and heart. Think of it. Think like a businessman with a shrewd business sense, as you often speak of. Ann will bring you a huge dowry, and what's more I will invest more in the mill. Not to forget, I have several connections in the commercial sector, who can become your connections as well…"
"You have spoken too much, Mr. Latimer. I am firm in my decision- both in speculation as well as your proposal."
Mr. Latimer realized that he was losing the feud. His fury arrested his senses before he let it seethe in him. He bellowed loudly-
"Have you become attached to that southern lass everyone is gossiping about? Why, has she fooled you into love just as she has done with another man? Are you bound to become attached to her for her beauty so much that her impure actions make you blind? Come now Thornton, why would you let yourself be compromised with a fallen woman who has already compromised herself, god knows with how many?"
Mr. Thornton's fists were clasped tight, he felt his fingernails raking his skin. He wanted to punch the man right in his mouth for all his detestable words about Margaret. How dare he suggest that he compromised Margaret's honor! Fresh indignation surged through him, which only increased more so to see the horrible man grin watching his fury.
He bolstered across the room and stood straight in front of the banker. His height and fury, now frightened Mr. Latimer, but he held on to his posture. He wanted to warn the man for speaking ill of Miss Hale, but thought he should not. Her reputation was already fickle, and if he spoke in her favour now, more rumours would follow if this sick man chose to degrade her character more in society. He breathed and uttered the words with a dangerous edge-
"I will not enter a marriage that is more like a business proposition and less like one made of respect and love from both sides. That's all there is to it."
He rushed out of the room and the house before his anger took hold of him again.
He walked the streets like a furious lion which had come out of its cage after so long. The people as usual were afraid and frightened. They dare not come in his way, as they started to make way for him even before he came near to them.
"Oh Margaret, my love, look at what you have brought upon yourself! To hear such abominable words and yet to not be able to shut them from speaking against your character! You shall never know what agony I face, and yet my love for you refuses to diminish."
He almost came to a sudden halt to see a familiar figure standing in front of a shop. Miss Hale along with her friend Mary. But his breath hitched a little when he saw three other women surrounding her. All he could do was to stand unnoticed and watch the uncomfortable conversation from a safe distance.
"A letter to you from the Mrs. Thornton", said Dixon with an indifference to Margaret.
She took the letter from Dixon while her mind was already racing up and down for what she owed the missive. Her last conversation with Mrs. Thornton was equally strained as the one she had with her son. Did Mr. Thornton narrate the events to his mother and request her once again to counsel Margaret of her folly? Or was the gossip still flaring through the tittle-tattle circles of Milton?
She read the letter with anxiety but was grateful to find it concise. It was not too approachable, but asked her if she can visit Mrs. Thornton for tea the coming weekend.
"Why not? For all I had said to hurt your son and of how low you both think of me, a hot cup of tea will indeed be a good turn to the events." Margaret mused sarcastically. But she was still grateful for the woman, for trying to get out of their strained conversation and inviting her to the mill house despite their arguments.
Her pride suggested not to go, but she knew that it would be disrespecting her. After all, it was her mother who had secured Mrs. Thornton's promise to be a stern guide to her daughter in times of crisis. She thought for a while about it- her mother could have written a letter or asked Dixon to, addressing Aunt Shaw to take care of her daughter after she passed away. But no, such a thought didn't seem to have entered her mind at all. She recalled Dixon telling her that the mistress told Mrs. Thornton to act as her guide, now that she seems to be fixed in Milton… Does that mean her mother had a faint, even the slightest idea that her daughter's future would be spent in Milton?
Margaret quickly erased the thought. It was futile to think so, no matter how much her heart beamed to trust her intuitions. She fetched the letter to her room and informed her father about the invitation.
"That's good to hear, my dear. Surely, you must go! She is a firm lady but not without empathy and kindness. I believe it will do you good, child."
"Yes papa, I will go."
"Very well, my dear. And I hope John will be able to keep his visit tomorrow here as well. I know he must be busy, yet he had given word that he would come tomorrow. Let's hope he does."
While Mr. Hale would be clearly happy to even have his pupil come to his home daily, Margaret was worried. The idea of meeting him just three days after his humiliating words stifled her with the utmost discomfort. The hurt was still fresh and gnawing. She then recollected that she had to visit the drapers for curtains. "I would rather visit the draper's shop tomorrow evening so in that way, I will save us both from any awkwardness", she muttered to herself.
Just then, Mr. Hale spoke-
"Dear, today Bell would be joining us, won't he?"
"Yes papa, he said so yesterday. I suppose by evening he will join us."
"Well, it will be quite a good day then. I and John will be discussing Aristotle and Plato tomorrow, and about a rather interesting concept. Truth and how significant it is in philosophy. Bell would be quite interested to have a discussion on this one. He and John will be at odds! I wish you could attend with us as well dear. Mr. Thornton would like it for sure, don't you think Margaret?"
There, it was! Her chance of escape was snatched. She was well aware that her father might be sensing something odd and too formal going on between the master and the daughter. And with Mr. Bell's added intervention, she was sure to get into a mess. She couldn't bring up the draper's excuse without getting caught. She let out a sigh of defeat, and assured him that she would attend.
That meant, she would have to visit the draper's shop today. Dixon had work to do, so that left Mary and her free for a while. Both of them exited the home as they walked steadily towards the market street.
"Mary, how's Tom now? Did you apply the medicine and oil?"
"Aye, yes miss. He's well now. Already started playin' with the neighborhood lads."
"That's good to know. I actually got to know he's quite interested in books. Children's fairy tales and such. Is it true?"
"Yes miss. The master was kind enoug' to get him a few story books and alphabet books. He plays all day but gets his nose deep into them at night! Still difficult for him to pronounce words, but the master sometimes helps him to read."
This surprised Margaret and made her happy. Not that Mr. Thornton was unkind towards children, but the fact that he himself helped Tom Boucher read and study warmed her heart. It hurt her heart once again how she had misunderstood and cast harsh claims on him during his proposal.
They had reached the draper's shop and just when they were about to enter the store, a shrill voice reached their ears.
"Miss Hale!"
When both the women turned back their faces fell. Yet they regained composure for civility sake to see a blooming Mrs. Watson, Miss Latimer, and the mother Mrs. Latimer on the opposite side of the road.
While Mrs. Watson was as usual being herself, flighty and with a dozen bags in her hand, the Latimer women were clearly displeased to see Margaret. Mrs. Watson hurried towards Margaret with a glowing smile, while the other two reluctantly came behind her with a tight smile etched in their faces.
"Mrs. Watson, Miss Latimer and Mrs. Latimer, glad to meet you. You have come shopping, I suppose." Margaret started the conversation, intending to quickly finish it and get away from the women.
"Ah, yes Miss Hale, though I, sorry, we don't buy from this particular shop you were just about to enter. This store's tastes are quite plain for us, you see." Fanny responded with a grin and proud air. The Latimers shared a sly grin with each other.
Mrs. Latimer was equally aware of the proud and snobbish southern lady's spoiling reputation and disastrous deeds of charity. More so, she took an edge towards her when she came to know of Mr. Thornton's growing interest in this vain and improper woman. She realized then and there to make hay while the sun shines, that is, to insult the woman right in front of her own maid as well as Fanny.
"Well Miss Hale, nice to meet you. I am quite surprised how you managed to come shopping for draperies given the recent turn of events that reached my ears."
Margaret was baffled when her mind registered Mrs. Latimer's words. Did she mean her mother's death? Or did she rather insinuate the misinformed scandal of the Outwood station? She saw the two friends smiling to each other, and she quickly understood the haughty woman meant the latter.
Mary was quite angered with what the horrid woman had just uttered. She longed to inform their snooty faces that Miss Margaret was with her relative that supposed night, but decided not to. As for Margaret, she found it difficult to muster her pride and strength to give a befitting answer to the horrible woman.
It was Mary who spoke then-
"Miss Margaret, we would be rather late. Dixon had asked us to come home soon…"
But Mrs. Latimer was not the one to give up so easily now that she had just started.
"Ah what's the hurry, lass? Your Miss Hale can surely devote some time to us women as well. Can't she? Or is she busy enough to oblige anyone at the moment?"
That was enough to strike Margaret's wounded pride. Mrs. Watson suddenly started to become uncomfortable, clearly wishing to be whisked away to home. Yet Miss Latimer's attitude suggested that she was enjoying the heated barbs her mother had just thrown at Miss Hale.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Latimer, but have I done something to offend you? If not, then I would rather get along with my helpmate at the store". She suggested with her grace and air, just as she turned towards the shop holding Mary's arm.
"Offend us, Miss Hale? Why, yes of course, for we were quite stunned by your degraded act in Outwood. This town might have forgotten it with the arrival of the next set of gossips, but not us! We did think to include in our prestigious circles even if you had very little in common with high-bred women like us."
Mary felt to box the woman's ears for her terrible words to her friend, her innocent friend. Margaret had started to turn pale with humiliation, tears collecting in her eyes, and struggling to keep her emotions in control. Mary pressed her arm tight to help her stop collapsing right then and there in the street. That indeed helped Margaret to get back her senses from the insinuated remarks.
"Mrs. Latimer, you absolutely have no right to comment on affairs which you are hardly aware of. You would much rather not form opinions without having any idea of how things are. And in question of including me in your so-called prestigious circles, let me assure you that I hardly had any interest to become a part of it, in the first place. Not that you ever tried to have one hospitable conversation with me on any occasion."
Miss Latimer perked herself up on hearing her rival speak in such a manner to her mother. Mrs. Watson's jaw was hanging in the air.
"There, mother. What's to be done with such people who are clearly not bothered about their reputation in society. It would hurt our status more to be seen with such a disgraceful person."
"Yes dear, we better move away from here."
With that, the women headed towards the opposite side of the street. Fanny turned back to look at Margaret with a look of pity but brushed it off immediately to be not noticed by the Latimers.
Margaret stood speechless, eyes brimming. Her face had turned red as her lips. Mary was concerned about her friend who looked as if she would collapse on the storefront anytime and grieve. But Margaret was quick enough to bounce back to her confident self.
"Miss Margaret, 'em creatures will never understand ye kindness and actions. Please don' let 'em bother you. We can go home if ye wish. I will come and collect the draperies meself later."
"No Mary, I would rather not let our work stop because of their foolish interpretations. Let them think what they wish to, for they never tried to like me, only wished to find fault. Now that they have got their fill, they will keep talking, till their mouths ache. Let's get in the store".
But they were stopped by Mrs. Latimer once again. Margaret was enraged to the core, and Mary wanted to whisk Margaret away from the daredevil.
"Before you go gallivanting, one more word. If you hadn't known, then let me inform you that we Latimers do have a good connection with the Thorntons, which the entire Milton hopes to see turning into a much stronger bond, if I may so hope you understand what I mean. Not that you have a chance if you think you do, for the Thorntons are highly reputable in the town and would not let their family pollute their existence with such a poor alliance. So don't sully our names as you did yours".
That was enough to prick Margaret's self-respect. She had suspected a budding connection between Mr. Thornton and Miss Latimer, but to be so disrespected by a woman who was hardly her acquaintance injured her to the core.
"Madam, if I might be so bold, let me tell you that you need not have fear if you are so confident of such a connection. Be assured that I am not the one to ensnare people for a better living and pretentious status in society".
Mrs. Latimer's doubts were not subsided. Now that the vain woman had started to speak directly, she decided to be equally open and resolve her fears for once and for all.
"Half of the town is aware that you tried to ensnare Mr. Thornton during the riot. Surely, you must have received an unwilling proposal of marriage from him to restore your honor for propriety's sake?"
"Well judged, madam. Yes, I did, but I hardly assume it was unwilling from Mr. Thornton's part".
Mary and Mrs. Latimer gaped in shock. The former was enjoying Miss Margaret's confident rebuke but the latter was frustrated.
"Well it doesn't matter for surely it seems to have come to nothing. You must have rejected him for all your charitable ideas against Milton's hardworking lot of masters!"
"Yes, I rejected. Speaking of my ideas against Milton, be convinced that my opinions have now raised greatly towards this town, quite the positive."
"This city hardly cares for your opinions, madame! Now that you assure me of rejecting, do assure me that your response will be the same in future as well, if at all once again you receive such a proposal."
Now Margaret Hale, for all the vigorous and witty woman that she was, decided to give back a fitting answer to all the accusations this woman put on her.
"I will assure you of no such thing! Really Mrs. Latimer, whatever happens between Mr. Thornton and I, stay within us. You need not bother at all, for you are confident enough that the town expects both your families to join as one! Goodbye."
She fled into the store with Mary in tow. While Margaret was unaware of being watched, Mary was quick enough to catch the master standing in a distance, watching his lady love intently.
Mrs. Latimer was irritated and felt like a fool. She realized her folly in having gone too steadfast. If her husband came to know of such a conversation, he would be angry. She had been overconfident and too liberal with her words, keeping in mind that there was still nothing much between her daughter and the mill master. She cannot add more to the gossip of Miss Hale, for she would somehow get caught as well for spreading rumours concerning them and the Thorntons. That will affect her daughter Ann's name in society as well.
Dejected, she joined her daughter and her friend in the store at the opposite side of the street.
Mr. Thornton, though unable to make a word of what the women spoke, was at least quite sure to judge that the conversation was far from civil. He saw Miss Hale fumbling at first, trying to regain herself, and in the next moment speaking with her usual stylish confidence, yet with a tinge of hurt in her face.
If his judgments were true as he was sure they were, Margaret was being disrespected by the Latimer women. Fanny was one who gossiped extensively but was not confident enough to disrespect someone right on their face.
He decided to know what happened outside the draper's shop from Mary soon, but then realized his sister would herself go home right away to blabber about it all to their mother. Fair enough.